Preparation and pH Detection Performance of Rosin-Based Fluorescent Polyurethane Microspheres

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Fluorescent materials are crucial for various sensing applications.
• Developing novel fluorescent probes with enhanced properties is an active research area.
• Polyurethane-based materials offer versatile properties for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel rosin-based fluorescent polyurethane microspheres (FPUMs).
• To investigate the effect of 1,5-dihydroxy naphthalene (1,5-DN) concentration on FPUM properties.
• To evaluate the pH-responsive fluorescence behavior and stability of the synthesized FPUMs.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of fluorescent polyurethane emulsion (FPU) using rosin derivatives and isophorone diisocyanate.
• Synthesis of FPUMs via suspension polymerization using FPU, azodiisobutyronitrile, and gelatin.
• Characterization using FTIR, TGA, optical microscopy, SEM, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Assessment of pH response and stability.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of rosin-based FPUMs.
• Particle size and fluorescence intensity were influenced by 1,5-DN content, with optimal results at 3 wt.% (49.3 μm size, 1.05 PDI, 3662 a.u. fluorescence).
• FPUMs exhibited a linear fluorescence response to decreasing pH, indicating potential for pH detection.
• Demonstrated good thermal stability, anti-interference, and recoverability.

Conclusions:

• Rosin-based FPUMs were successfully synthesized with tunable fluorescence properties.
• The developed FPUMs show significant potential as fluorescent probes for pH detection in solutions.
• The material exhibits desirable characteristics including stability and recoverability for practical applications.